| Abstract: | 1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Seaspire Maldives Pte.
Ltd. to develop and operate the proposed fish processing plant in Hulhumalé Industrial Zone
one. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Fisheries and
Agriculture (MoFA) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and
Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives.
2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both
negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed
project. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field
inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and
ongoing projects in the vicinity of the project site and through extensive literature review and
experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere.
3- The proposed project activity will take place on Land Plots 10604, 10605, and 10606 in
Hulhumalé Industrial Zone one. Total area of the two land plots is 1434 m2. The three land plots
are located adjacent to each other on the north of the existing MMP fish processing facility.
Proposed fish processing facility will be developed in a self-contained three storey building.
Ground floors of the building will be dedicated for fish, loading unloading, handling and
processing, cold and ice storage, chill room, G&G and HG packing/processing area storage. The
first floor will be used for administration which will include office space meeting rooms, staff
cafeteria, packing material storage laboratory, kitchen, prayer room, laundry RO plant etc. The
second and third floor is designated for accommodation and ancillary facilities. The facility will
be accessible from both Onugas Magu.
4- The fish processing facility will produce fresh frozen yellowfin tuna sword fish and types of fish
products for export. In the past the company used to process their raw fish at EU approved
processing facilities in Ocean fresh Processing factoryOcean seafood processing factory both in
Hulhumalè' lagoon, to export as frozen skipjack to Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Canada, U.S.A,
Japan and Srilanka. The Processing capacity of the factory will be 30 MT of whole fish per day.
5- The Factory should be assessed for EU-compliance by the National Competent Authority of EU -
The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA). The factory has an approved fish processing
and packing flow plan endorsed by the MFDA prior to the construction of the factory. After the
completion the factory dry runs of the entire process will be undertaken to ensure the process
followed the approved HACCP plan. The facility will be inspected every six months.
6- Electricity and water required for the proposed fish processing will be produced in the facility.
Two generator sets of 240kVA 200 Va will be installed. Eighty tonnes of desalinated water
production capacity will be established in the facility. Electricity and water supply from the
utilities STELCO and MWSC will be used as a backup and provision for emergency use. The
proponent will ensure that the powerhouse and desalination plant implies with the relevant
regulations and meet the standards.
7- Yellowfin tuna needed for the Seaspire Maldives Pte. Ltd processing facility will be purchased
mainly from the local fishermen mainly operating at the central atoll who are interested in selling
fish for a competitive price. Seaspire Maldives pte. Ltd., also intend to establish a longline
fishing fleet in the Maldives with the permission of the Fisheries Ministry. Ice will be provided
free of charge from the processing facility in Hulhumale as an incentive for fishing and to
encourage loyalty to the company.
8- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for
identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development
project in Hulhumalé Industrial Zone. The activities carried out during the construction and
operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected
directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The impact outcomes from this analysis are
considered and appropriate mitigation measures both in the development and operational phased
has been provided.
9- The report has identified the main environmental impacts associated with fish processing
activities and found that high water and energy consumption and the discharge of effluent with a
high organic content are the major issues. Noise, odors, solid wastes occupational health and
safety issues may also be concerns for tuna canning and processing plants. The study has found
that most significant negative environmental impact identified during the operational phase of
this project is release of effluent into the sea through the local sewer network. Liquid, solid and
other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the operational phase
has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate
mitigation measures are suggested for each and every impact identified in relation to the project.
10- The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has
suggested alternative for waste water discharge and ways to reduce water and energy
consumption for the caning process. The report has come-up with an extensive monitoring
programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the
development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings
of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan.
11- The overall positive environmental impact from the development project is to integrate the
existing product lines and the value-addition of fishery products to fetch higher export prices. Job
creation and stimulation of local economy, and exports is the most significant positive
environmental impact of this activity. The long-term sustainability of the activity however, will
depend on the sustainability of the fish stock. Tuna is highly migratory and its stock is spread out
to the entire Indian Ocean. The stock is being managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
which Maldives is now a full member. The current status of the stock is healthy and the total
catch is below the assessed maximum sustainable level. The Maldives fishery component takes
only 15% of the total Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna catch which is currently around 300,00 Mt.
12- The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the
Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and EPA including Environmental Protection and
Preservation Act, EIA Regulations, Hulhumalè Industrial Zone Planning Guidelines and
Maldives Food and Drug Authority regulations.
13- On the basis of the findings of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact
mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are
given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the planned Seaspire fish processing
facility development in Hulhumalé Industrial Zone will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed
demand of burden on the environment. |
